One killed and 17 others arrested by Iranian forces in Sistan and Baluchestan

Hengaw – Thursday, March 19, 2026

Iranian government forces have killed one civilian and arrested at least 17 others in separate operations across Chabahar, Iranshahr, and Zahedan, as well as in areas near Zahedan. Authorities have accused the detainees of what has been described as “collaboration with Israel.”

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Nematollah Shahbakhsh, known as “Jamuk,” was shot and killed by government forces in Zahedan on Thursday, March 19, 2026. On the same day, four other individuals, whom state-affiliated media claim were connected to him, were arrested in areas surrounding the city.

In parallel, at least 13 additional people were arrested in separate incidents across Iranshahr, Zahedan, and Chabahar.

State-affiliated media have reported that the operations involved forces from the Intelligence Department of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, the IRGC Ground Forces’ Quds Headquarters, and the Law Enforcement Command (Faraja), though no further details have been provided.

There are growing concerns that, under current wartime conditions, Iranian authorities may use allegations related to national security to prosecute protesters and political detainees without due process and impose heavy sentences.